The men and women who transport schoolchildren for Student Transportation of America (STA) in Middletown, N.Y., have voted 56-47 to join Teamsters Local 445 in Rock Tavern, N.Y., after a hard-fought campaign for respect, fair pay and better working conditions at the company. There are 110 drivers in the bargaining unit.

"My co-workers and I united for the ability to negotiate a contract that guarantees accountability from STA. The lack of respect from management must stop. As Teamsters, we will gain a contract to ensure that we have fairness, safety and respect throughout our workplace,” said Hector Cruz, a driver with STA in Middletown.

“We stayed united in the face of tough opposition from STA management,” said Sue Maxwell, a driver with STA in Middletown and one of the leaders of the organizing committee. “We needed our concerns addressed, and to put an end to favoritism and protect seniority.”

"We're proud to welcome these workers into the Teamster family. The strength and unity they have displayed throughout their organizing campaign to gain respect in their workplace shows they will be strong union members with the ability to secure a strong contract,” said Lori Polesel, Local 445 Business Agent.

The Teamsters’ Drive Up Standards campaign is a global campaign to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus and transit industry. Since the campaign began in 2006, more than 38,600 drivers, monitors, aides, attendants and mechanics have become Teamsters.